Windows 7 Basic Theme Freezing

[Jason761]

I've been having freezing issues since I got my computer. When I switch from Aero to any Basic and High Contrast theme, my computer will freeze for 1-2 second if I minimize or maximize a window. My sound will also freeze for a short moment too. I've tried replacing my mobo and cpu, reformatting Windows 7, updating drivers to latest version and RAM test overnight and none of which fixed the issue. None of my other computers had these issues.

 

[A Guy]

Welcome back to Seven Forums Jason761. Let me see if I have your issue correctly.

Normally you use an Aero theme?

IF you switch to a Classic or High contrast theme every time you minimize or maximize a window your PC freezes for a couple of seconds? Over and over using a Classic or High contrast theme, it freezes every time?

OR

It freezes for a couple of seconds the first time only when you min/max after changing from an Aero theme?

A Guy

 

[Jason761]

Yes I usually use the aero theme and never ran into any issues. My computer will always freeze for a few seconds when I minimize or maximize a window in a Classic or High Contrast theme.

 

[A Guy]

Hmmm, a rather odd problem. Try a clean start and see if the issue still exists. If so, you have a conflict.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...ation-conflicts-performing-clean-startup.html

A Guy

 

[Jason761]

I tried a clean boot but it still happens.

 

[A Guy]

OK, we can't check in Safe Mode since it's theme related. Since the same action triggers the freeze, you can try and see if event Viewer will give you any clue. Min/max a few times to create the freeze, noting the time of the freeze, then look in Event Viewer and see if you can pinpoint a cause

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/226084-event-viewer-open-use-windows-7-a.html

A Guy

 

[Jason761]

Event Viewer doesn't display any errors when minimizing or maximizing but I do get something when changing themes.

This is the error I get when change from Aero -> Windows Basic.

Log Name:      Application
Source:        Desktop Window Manager
Date:          01/06/2014 11:04:56 PM
Event ID:      9019
Task Category: None
Level:         Information
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:      Jason-PC
Description:
The Desktop Window Manager was unable to start because the desktop composition setting is disabled
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
  <System>
    <Provider Name="Desktop Window Manager" />
    <EventID Qualifiers="16384">9019</EventID>
    <Level>4</Level>
    <Task>0</Task>
    <Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords>
    <TimeCreated SystemTime="2014-06-02T06:04:56.000000000Z" />
    <EventRecordID>25347</EventRecordID>
    <Channel>Application</Channel>
    <Computer>Jason-PC</Computer>
    <Security />
  </System>
  <EventData>
  </EventData>
</Event>

This is from Windows Basic -> Classic

Log Name:      Application
Source:        Desktop Window Manager
Date:          01/06/2014 11:07:35 PM
Event ID:      9003
Task Category: None
Level:         Information
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:      Jason-PC
Description:
The Desktop Window Manager was unable to start because a composited theme is not in use
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
  <System>
    <Provider Name="Desktop Window Manager" />
    <EventID Qualifiers="16384">9003</EventID>
    <Level>4</Level>
    <Task>0</Task>
    <Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords>
    <TimeCreated SystemTime="2014-06-02T06:07:35.000000000Z" />
    <EventRecordID>25350</EventRecordID>
    <Channel>Application</Channel>
    <Computer>Jason-PC</Computer>
    <Security />
  </System>
  <EventData>
  </EventData>
</Event>

 

[A Guy]

See if Desktop Composition is enabed (I'm unsure whether Classic or HC themes auto disable it)

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/127411-desktop-composition-enable-disable.html

Do you have another user on this PC you can test and see if the same issue occurs?

I'm busy during the week, so I'm going to see if I can get others to look in as well. I will check in when I can as well.

A Guy

 

[Jason761]

Desktop composition is already enabled. There is no option for it in Basic and High Contrast themes.

 

[Slartybart]

Open a command prompt and enter the following

reg query HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UxSms /s > qUxSms.txt

Attach the file qUxSms.txt on a post (use the paperclip icon on the SF post menu to attach a file)

 

[Slartybart]

Are you restarting after the change to a basic theme? It shouldn't be necessary, but I thought I'd ask.
As the issue affects sound and graphics, there must be a timing issue when you change from Aero to basic themes.


A Guy asked about another user profile on the machine. If you don't have a 2nd user, try creating a temporary user to test if the issue is user profile related. After creating the new user, log off your normal profile and log on to the new profile. Try the same test with the new profile (change theme from aero to basic, then minimize a window). Same issue?

You might see if adjusting System Properties > Perfomance Options > Visual Effects helps.

If you have a custom scheme, record your existing settings (screenshots will do)

Try the upper three option picks (Let Windows, Best appear, best perf)
Minimize a window after each change is applied and see if any make a difference.

 

[Jason761]

Open a command prompt and enter the following

reg query HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UxSms /s > qUxSms.txt

Attach the file qUxSms.txt on a post (use the paperclip icon on the SF post menu to attach a file)

View attachment qUxSms.txt

Are you restarting after the change to a basic theme? It shouldn't be necessary, but I thought I'd ask.
As the issue affects sound and graphics, there must be a timing issue when you change from Aero to basic themes.


A Guy asked about another user profile on the machine. If you don't have a 2nd user, try creating a temporary user to test if the issue is user profile related. After creating the new user, log off your normal profile and log on to the new profile. Try the same test with the new profile (change theme from aero to basic, then minimize a window). Same issue?

You might see if adjusting System Properties > Perfomance Options > Visual Effects helps.

If you have a custom scheme, record your existing settings (screenshots will do)

Try the upper three option picks (Let Windows, Best appear, best perf)
Minimize a window after each change is applied and see if any make a difference.

I do not restart after a theme change. Same issue appears on the Guest Account after switching to Windows Basic or High Contrast themes.

I don't use a custom scheme; I use the default Windows 7 Aero Theme.

Let Windows choose and best appearance does not fix the problem. However, Best Performance fixes the issue. I thinking its because "animate windows when minimizing and maximizing" is unchecked.

 

[Slartybart]

Thanks Jason,

the regQuery on your machine and mine are identical.

Sorry... I wasn't clear when I asked about a custom scheme. I meant "Do you select a custom set of options for Visual Effects in System Properties > Performance Options". It's moot now.

Excellent sleuthing on the Best Performance pick - your analysis makes perfect sense.

I run a custom set, opting to turn off most of the animations, slides, fades, shadows....




Does this qualify as a solved issue?

 

[Jason761]

I leave the visual effects to default (let windows choose). I don't think the issue is solved. I am fairly certain my rig can handle all visual effects without struggling. Its weird how this is happening on non-Aero themes.

 

[Slartybart]

Fair enough.

I'm curious about the sound issue too. If you set it to best performance, is the still a lag in audio?

Yeah, it's not a matter of hardware handling the effects, I think it's a software timing issue. Windows is told to animate the minimize and the basic theme doesn't employ aero to animate the process, so it "shrugs". I don't think it's all that weird - you're telling Windows to do something (animate minimize/maximize) in one configuration and telling windows not to use the feature (aero) that allows the first configuration. Should Windows behave differently... probably.

You could try choosing Best Appearance and unticking the two min-max windows animations.

While perhaps not solved, it seems to be a viable workaround. Especially since you say you normally run in Aero.

That's all I can add, good luck.

Bill
.

 

[Jason761]

No the audio doesn't lag when set in best performance.

Anyone else have any suggestions?

 

[andrew129260]

1.) This is a longshot, but have you tried the built in windows 7 aero troubleshooter?

rb:, control panel. System and Security-Click Troubleshoot common computer problems under action center. Click display aero desktop effects.

Let me know what the troubleshooter says.



2.)

Please Run sfc /scan now using option 2 in this tutorial: SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Please post back the results.
Please indicate what message was displayed at the end:

Windows found no integrity violations

OR

Corrupt files were found, and windows was unable to fix them.

OR

Corrupt files were found, and windows successfully repaired them

3.) Go to here:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/236709-services-restore-default-services-windows-7-a.html

Download the Desktop Window Manager Session Manager and merge the file. Restart.

 

[Jason761]

1. Says "Troubleshooting couldn't identify the problem. "

2. "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations. "

3. I merged the file and restarted.

 

[A Guy]

This happens with the discreet HD7870? Can you test with the IGPU HD 4000? See if it's the same. A Guy

 

[Jason761]

Same thing. It always freezes for a few seconds.

I notice that if I unplug or plug in my mouse (receiver or cable), that it also freezes for 1-2 seconds including sound.

Edit: I forgot to mention that I also get window trailing on Basic and High Contrast themes.